New Labor Agreement For Filipino Domestic Workers In Qatar
MANILA—The Philippines and Qatar have signed a landmark labor agreement aimed at better protecting Filipino domestic workers. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced the signing of the first-ever unified employment contract for these workers.
According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, this unified contract is a direct result of ongoing discussions with Qatar's Labor Ministry to strengthen bilateral relations. "We reached a historic agreement with Qatar for our OFW domestic workers—the first unified contract of its kind in the country," said Cacdac.
The new agreement standardizes employment terms, which are now jointly recognized by both the Philippine and Qatari governments.
Key Protections in the New Contract
The unified contract is designed to prevent common issues like contract substitution and ensures better working conditions for Filipino household service workers (HSWs). It includes specific provisions for:
Fair Wages: Guarantees that workers receive agreed-upon pay.
Humane Working Conditions: Ensures a safe and respectful work environment.
Rest Days and Leave Benefits: Specifies mandatory days off and leave entitlements.
Dispute Resolution: Establishes clear mechanisms for workers to seek justice if issues arise.
Background on Filipino Workers in Qatar
This agreement comes as the Filipino population in Qatar is estimated to be over 250,000, with many working as household service workers. Qatar has consistently been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate.
Regarding recent events, security in the region has been a concern following a recent Israeli airstrike on Hamas officials in Doha on September 9, 2025. While the attack targeted specific individuals and not the general populace, it has drawn international condemnation as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and has raised tensions. Despite this, the government of Qatar maintains a strong security posture, and the nation continues to be considered a stable and safe destination for foreign nationals.
DMW News Release
